Bill Shover, a longtime Arizona newspaper executive, community leader and co-founder of the Fiesta Bowl who helped transform the Valley into a major sports destination, died Nov. 7 at his home. He was 98.

Shover, who spent decades as community relations manager for The Arizona Republic, played an instrumental role in establishing the Fiesta Bowl and elevating Arizona’s national profile through sports, civic leadership and community engagement.

“It is a somber time for the Fiesta Sports Foundation family as we mourn the loss of one of our beloved Founders, Bill Shover,” the organization said in a statement released Nov. 9.

Shover was among the visionaries who helped launch the Fiesta Bowl after Arizona’s college football teams were left without postseason opportunities.

“When Arizona’s college football teams were left without a postseason berth, Bill and his fellow Founders kicked into action to build the case for an Arizona bowl game,” the foundation said. “By leading the communications efforts, Bill played a critical role in convincing the NCAA that the Fiesta Bowl would be a prominent player in Arizona and nationally.”

His influence extended well beyond college football.

Shover was involved in launching the Phoenix Suns and chaired the successful campaign to bring Super Bowl XXX to Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe in 1996.

His civic contributions were equally significant. He helped bring an anchor from the USS Arizona to the Arizona State Capitol, supported efforts to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an Arizona holiday and coordinated Pope John Paul II’s visit to the state.

Through his work with The Arizona Republic, Phoenix Gazette and Fiesta Bowl, Shover became one of the Valley’s most influential community connectors.

“Bill was a true community connector across the Valley,” the foundation said. “Through his work with the Fiesta Bowl, the Arizona Republic and the Phoenix Gazette, he brought people together and helped build Arizona into a national force.”

The foundation added that Shover’s vision and leadership helped establish a lasting legacy for Arizona.

“Bill will always be a cherished part of the Fiesta Sports Foundation.”